How the NDP frustrates me

[pegasus]

Two days after the Federal election was called, I went out on a limb and decided to run as a member of the NDP in my old riding where I grew up. I went out and collected signatures (which took me a few days) and ended up with more than the 100 necessary. I then went to my local NDP office and asked if I could run as a member of the NDP, whom I had voted for every election since I could vote.

I have always wanted to work for the Federal Government. I have taken their tests and apply for all the jobs that are posted that I believe I am qualified for. I even once considered the military. But never to any avail. I am right now working a decent job in the private industry, but it has never been my dream. So I decided to go for a seat.

Running as a local NDP candidate did not guarantee me a win. Where I wanted to run has been a Liberal stronghold for the last 50 years. But I figured I'd give it a shot. Being my first go at this, I listened to everything they told me and took everything as gospel. I brought my signatures to the office and my credentials, and I was told that I was not qualified. That being said, I packed up my stuff and left the office, and on election night I voted for the NDP, as I always do.

I live in Quebec, and I finished University quite some time ago with a major/minor in Psychology/Education. I spent 10 years volunteering with children. I helped at a mental institution for 2 years. I've collected funds for the poor. I speak both official languages and I was born in Ottawa, raised in Montreal and now live in Quebec City which is 99 percent French.

Under normal circumstances I wouldn't complain, however, when I saw the credentials of some of the candidates who had actually become NDP candidates, one of which was in the riding I wanted to run in and who had far less credentials than I, and won, I almost flipped. So as you can all see, I'm a little upset with the NDP party right now and their caucus of fully qualified individuals, of which I am apparently not

So my question is; how come I was told I was not qualified to run as an NDP candidate in this election when there were others who had far less qualifications than I, who won?

Edited May 7, 2011 by pegasus

[Bonam]

It's not what you can do. It's who you know. That's life. Sorry for the rough introduction.

[pegasus]

It's not what you can do. It's who you know. That's life. Sorry for the rough introduction.

It appears so In four years from now, knowing what I know now, I will not make the same mistake, and I will spend the next four years preparing to take a seat away from an incumbent NDPer by telling my story. Regular everyday folk?....what BS

Edited May 7, 2011 by pegasus

[betsy]

It appears so In four years from now, knowing what I know now, I will not make the same mistake, and I will spend the next four years preparing to take a seat away from an incumbent NDPer by telling my story. Regular everyday folk?....what BS

Sometimes things happen for a reason. Perhaps you're spared the scrutiny these NDP rookies will be given by the media that hungers for riveting news.

Look on the bright side. Don't let this sad experience derail you from your goal.

Prepare for next time.

[cybercoma]

Something not adding up here.

[pegasus]

Something not adding up here.

And what would that be? If you are guessing I have a criminal record, guess again. In my present job, I work for a private company that deals with various levels of government. As such, I had to be placed through a background check. I presently have Level II security clearance. I have no debts that I am not paying down, so therefore, I could probably attain Top Secret security clearance if necessary.

[pegasus]

Sometimes things happen for a reason. Perhaps you're spared the scrutiny these NDP rookies will be given by the media that hungers for riveting news.

Look on the bright side. Don't let this sad experience derail you from your goal.

Prepare for next time.

I would have gladly taken the scrutiny of the press in order to represent my constituents of the place I grew up. Working for the country and its people are more than worth my personal discomfort. Besides, being placed under scrutiny has always been something I've had to deal with. It would be nothing new to me, just on a grander scale.

[betsy]

Something not adding up here.

Then why don't you spell it out what you think doesn't add up? Otherwise, zip.

We're here to discuss....not guess what's on your mind! That's what a forum is all about.

Adhominem and drive-by smears lowers the standard of this board!

[Rick]

Then why don't you spell it out what you think doesn't add up? Otherwise, zip.

We're here to discuss....not guess what's on your mind! That's what a forum is all about.

Adhominem and drive-by smears lowers the standard of this board!

Thanks for driving by betsy...

But I agree with cybercoma, something's not adding up here.

If the story as told is true, then there must have been some underlying issues that haven't been made known.

Perhaps the OP could be so kind as to identify which riding it was and which office was involved?

[betsy]

Thanks for driving by betsy...

But I agree with cybercoma, something's not adding up here.

If the story as told is true, then there must have been some underlying issues that haven't been made known.

Perhaps the OP could be so kind as to identify which riding it was and which office was involved?

That's more like it.

Thanks for asking the OP questions that Cybercoma should've asked in the first place....so his statement wouldn't have just been an adhominem or what seem to be a juvenilish drive-by smear. After all, who knows what he has in mind? If you've got something to say....speak up! Explain!

I wanna listen. I wanna know.

You asked a very good question. This is like peeling an onion....which is good. Informative.

Now let's wait for the OP's answer. Isn't this more discussion-like?

Edited May 7, 2011 by betsy

[pegasus]

Perhaps the OP could be so kind as to identify which riding it was and which office was involved?

It was the Limoilou Office here in Quebec City on Eugene-Lamontagne Ave. where I tried to submit my candidacy. I wanted to run in NDG/Cote-St.Luc/Montreal West riding in Montreal, but I would have been happy to run in any riding available. I wanted to go to the office in St. Foy, but I had no idea where it was. But I knew of the existance of the one on Eugene-Lamontagne because I went by it on many occasions.

[scribblet]

Maybe because you are a guy, they have been told to recruit more women haven't they ?

[pegasus]

On Tuesday May 3rd, I returned to the Office in Limoilou and congratulated the new MP, who was with one other person. This other person was not the same person who I originally met weeks earlier and told me I didn't have the qualifications to run. I went to offer my services to help the new minister in any way I can, and was given an e-mail address to write to. I sent them an e-mail and have yet to receive a reply.

[pegasus]

Maybe because you are a guy, they have been told to recruit more women haven't they ?

Actually, I am a guy. (I don't know why it says female on my profile. I'm going to have to change that) But nevertheless, a 19 year old, teenage boy, was placed as a candidate. I'm just stumped

[pegasus]

If the story as told is true, then there must have been some underlying issues that haven't been made known.

I met with the first person at the NDP office for no longer than 20 minutes. I came in with my list of signatures and my diploma and references from the places I volunteered at. I was clean shaven and well dressed. Whatever underlying issues there were, were never conveyed to me. He looked over everything I brought, asked me a few questions, such as why I want to run as an NDP candidate. Then non-chalantly handed everything back to me and told me that I didn't have the necessary qualifications to run as an MP. Having no experience in this matter, I took what he said as gospel, and left thinking that all the ridings were already filled up with Doctors and Lawyers.

Little did I know they were being reserved for teenagers and barmaids.

Edited May 7, 2011 by pegasus

[August1991]

It's not what you can do. It's who you know. That's life. Sorry for the rough introduction.

Bonam, the OP raises a good point.

If you take the example of Ruth-Ellen Brosseau (or several of the other NDP candiadates), it is hard not to conclude that she was selected because she was a woman, young and had a French family name. This is profiling or affirmative action (or whatever it's called). It seems that the NDP chose its candidates on the basis of superficial appearances. They wanted young, preferably female with French or allophone family names.

[scribblet]

Actually, I am a guy. (I don't know why it says female on my profile. I'm going to have to change that) But nevertheless, a 19 year old, teenage boy, was placed as a candidate. I'm just stumped

I didn't realize the selected candidate was a guy - so guess that wasn't it. 'Tis a puzzlement, I would write to the top brass to ask for an explanation, but I doubt it will get you anywhere.

[Bryan]

Pegasus,

I have a few thoughts based on my experience volunteering with a fledgeling party that ended up getting getting more support than even they thought they would get...

Have you attended EDA meetings? Candidates are usually chosen out of the EDAs, not just by dropping off an application.

If they had a pile of 'not qualified' candidates, and none that they thought was qualified, they likely picked one of the 'not qualifieds' that they at least knew from the meetings--possibly even from how much they volunteered in the area.

Also, some ridings probably held out until the last minute hoping that someone qualified would show up, and when no one did, they might have just randomly grabbed someone--not to be a real candidate, but just to be a name on the list. In the case of Ruth Ellen Brosseau, I'm sure her picture was her only qualification. I highly doubt she was deliberately chosen.

[betsy]

Pegasus, just curious....

Have you always supported the NDP....or were you affiliated with any other party?

Why did you choose to run for the NDP?

Do you plan to run as an independent in the next election?

Edited May 7, 2011 by betsy

[Shwa]

Two days after the Federal election was called, I went out on a limb and decided to run as a member of the NDP in my old riding where I grew up. I went out and collected signatures (which took me a few days) and ended up with more than the 100 necessary. I then went to my local NDP office and asked if I could run as a member of the NDP, whom I had voted for every election since I could vote.

I have always wanted to work for the Federal Government. I have taken their tests and apply for all the jobs that are posted that I believe I am qualified for. I even once considered the military. But never to any avail. I am right now working a decent job in the private industry, but it has never been my dream. So I decided to go for a seat.

Running as a local NDP candidate did not guarantee me a win. Where I wanted to run has been a Liberal stronghold for the last 50 years. But I figured I'd give it a shot. Being my first go at this, I listened to everything they told me and took everything as gospel. I brought my signatures to the office and my credentials, and I was told that I was not qualified. That being said, I packed up my stuff and left the office, and on election night I voted for the NDP, as I always do.

I live in Quebec, and I finished University quite some time ago with a major/minor in Psychology/Education. I spent 10 years volunteering with children. I helped at a mental institution for 2 years. I've collected funds for the poor. I speak both official languages and I was born in Ottawa, raised in Montreal and now live in Quebec City which is 99 percent French.

Under normal circumstances I wouldn't complain, however, when I saw the credentials of some of the candidates who had actually become NDP candidates, one of which was in the riding I wanted to run in and who had far less credentials than I, and won, I almost flipped. So as you can all see, I'm a little upset with the NDP party right now and their caucus of fully qualified individuals, of which I am apparently not

So my question is; how come I was told I was not qualified to run as an NDP candidate in this election when there were others who had far less qualifications than I, who won?

Head up to your local Liberal Riding Association and tell them your experience. Ask not what they can do for you, but what you can do for them. Participate in the rebuild. Get your ideas into the grassroots. Listen and provide honest feedback.

You are the type of individual that the Liberals should be actively seeking out and offering membership to.

[Uncle 3 dogs]

And what would that be? If you are guessing I have a criminal record, guess again. In my present job, I work for a private company that deals with various levels of government. As such, I had to be placed through a background check. I presently have Level II security clearance. I have no debts that I am not paying down, so therefore, I could probably attain Top Secret security clearance if necessary.

Did you ask what specifically made you unqualified? If not, you should.

[Scotty]

The NDP were clearly using these hopeless ridings to run females so they could boast about the % of female candidates they were running. That's part of it anyway. But there's more. Was there a local riding association in that riding? If so, you don't just show up and offer to be a candidate. The riding association usually chooses someone from amongst its members. Either that or HQ parachutes someone there they want to give a chance to. In some ridings, clearly, they took just about anything they could get because they thought they were hopeless. But I'm sure not all the ridings, even the hopeless ones, had mere placeholders. Parties sometimes use these ridings to train candidates who might have a shot elsewhere. They get some experience in running an election campaign and the party gets to see them in action to determine if they're worth putting into a better riding next time around.

It could have been that if you had offered yourself as a candidate in one of the other ridings you'd have been accepted because they had no one there and wound up using people of limited qualifications. Or maybe there was some other reason. Maybe the person didn't like your looks, or thought there was something else about you likely to cause controversy or trouble.

Edited May 7, 2011 by Scotty

[Peter F]

Sounds like bullshit to me. Candidates are determined by nominations from within the riding association and then the membership votes to determine the winning candidate. Qualifications are nice and usefull but can very well be ignored by the membership during a vote for any number of reasons - the primary one being 'that guys an idiot!'

It isnt a 'job' to be applied for.

[Molly]

Two days after the Federal election was called, I went out on a limb and decided to run as a member of the NDP in my old riding where I grew up. I went out and collected signatures (which took me a few days) and ended up with more than the 100 necessary. I then went to my local NDP office and asked if I could run as a member of the NDP, whom I had voted for every election since I could vote.

Speaking as someone who's done more constituency work than an awful lot of people, and who has had the unfortunate task of helping to recruit a sacrificial lamb candidate for an unwinnable seat..... if someone wandered into the committee rooms I was tending a few days after a couple of days after an election was called, resume and nomination papers in hand to apply for the position of 'candidate', I'd probably tell them as politely as I could possibly muster that they were 'not qualified', too.

[kimmy]

Speaking as someone who's done more constituency work than an awful lot of people, and who has had the unfortunate task of helping to recruit a sacrificial lamb candidate for an unwinnable seat..... if someone wandered into the committee rooms I was tending a few days after a couple of days after an election was called, resume and nomination papers in hand to apply for the position of 'candidate', I'd probably tell them as politely as I could possibly muster that they were 'not qualified', too.

Molly, you're just the right person to shed some light on this!

Can you run through how the process worked at the riding association you were with? I'm wondering about things like...

-when the candidate was actually selected. In most ridings, the candidate is usually chosen long before an election is called, isn't it?

-how's the decision actually made? a vote among party members in the riding? is there a campaign, a debate, that sort of thing?

-vetting. What did your office do to check on the qualifications of the candidates? Was there some checking done to make sure the nominee wasn't somebody with personal ...issues... that would embarrass the party?

I was under the impression that the major parties have a fairly organized process of how candidates are chosen, and all of the stuff we're hearing seems to kind of fly in the face of that.

-k